Prosecutors blast NBI agent's punching of fiscal

By Ina Reformina, ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines - The Prosecutors League of the Philippines (PLP) condemned the reported punching of one of their own by an agent of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), an attached agency of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

In a statement, PLP president Jaime Umpa expressed dismay at the incident that took place late Wednesday night in Quezon City.

The state prosecutor was identified as Assistant City Prosecutor Benjie Samson.

"This is a clear affront to the prosecutor concerned, the National Prosecution Service (NPS) in general, and the Department of Justice which he represents. No amount of explanation can justify such reckless and irresponsible act," Umpa said.

The PLP called for a deeper probe into the incident so that the appropriate criminal and administrative charges could be filed against Samson's assailant.

"The League demands a full and impartial investigation of the incident so that appropriate charges are filed in court or in the proper administrative body," he said.

Based on media reports, the NBI personnel, along with several companions, went to the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office at past 11 o'clock in the evening, looking for a prosecutor who could hold inquest proceedings on a case he was handling. Samson reportedly explained that inquest proceedings are only up to 11pm. The NBI agent allegedly punched the fiscal thereafter and immediately left with his companions.

On Friday, NBI Director Nonnatus Rojas assured that subject NBI personnel will be investigated and be made accountable for his actions, if warranted.

"It is an unfortunate incident. We will ensure that those responsible shall answer for their actions. The NBI assures full cooperation in the investigation of the incident and will commence its own administrative investigation," he said.

On the part of the NPS, Prosecutor General Claro Arellano asked Samson to submit a report on the alleged incident.